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ISSN : 1226-4822(Print)
The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea Vol.34 No.1 pp.225-244
DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.14353/sjk.2026.34.1.07

A study on the formation and establishment of the neologism maknae-on-top: Focusing on K-pop discourse

Zaone Lim
Ph.D. candidate, Department of Korean Language and Literature, University of Seoul; 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, South Korea

Abstract

This study examines the diachronic trajectory of neologism maknae on top, which emerged from K-pop fandom discourse and has sustained vitality over two decades while expanding into broader social domains. Using Google Trends and big news data, this research analyzes emergence patterns and frequency changes from 2006 to 2024, supplemented by a qualitative analysis of media articles and fan community usage. Three distinct phases have emerged: creation (2006-2011), consolidation (2012-2018), and establishing (2019-2024). First, it traces how maknae on top evolved from a nonce formation to an institutionalized lexical item. Registration in the Naver Open Dictionary (2009) and Urimalsaem (2017) marks the transition from subcultural jargon to recognized public discourse. Second, maknae on top expanded beyond K-pop to include popular culture, sports, and everyday social networks. Big data analysis confirms widespread acceptance as a functional noun denoting "the youngest member who assumes a leading role." Third, it operates as a linguistic mechanism reflecting contemporary shifts in hierarchical perception, reinterpreting the traditional vertical order into flexible, merit-based relationships. This research demonstrates how a neologism born in a specific cultural context becomes embedded in the general lexicon through interactions with social change, offering insights into the dynamics between linguistic and sociocultural transformations.

초록

Vol. 40 No. 4 (2022.12)

Journal Abbreviation j. Korea Saf. Manag. Sci.
Frequency Published four times annually in March, June, September, and December
Doi Prefix 10.14353/sjk.
Year of Launching 1993
Publisher The Sociolinguistic Society of Korea
Indexed/Tracked/Covered By

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